Jim Courier: Stan Wawrinka can test Djokovic. About Federer…

by: TennisMood March 15, 2016 414

In their latest podcast edition BNP Paribas Radio decided to host tennis legend, former number one and winner of four Grand Slam titles, Jim Courier who talked about some big tennis names and also reflected on rising stars.

First to be talked about was reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka and Courier shared his thoughts on Wawrinka’s Indian Wells chances saying that he looked very good in his first match against Illya Marchenko and that skipping Davis Cup against Italy led him to be fresher than some other players coming into this tournament. He also added: “If he is in a good mind space and feeling good physically and fresh he is a real threat here”.

Former tennis player is impressed with Stan’s ability to rip off forehand and backhand and said that there is no safe place on Swissman’s side of the court where you can place the ball. He then gave some high praise to the Swiss, as he told: “He is really the guy who can stand up from my point of view to Novak and really test him”.

Four time Grand Slam champion also revealed his thoughts on the showman Gael Monfils as he said: “I think he is trying to elevate and kind finally get to where his talent should take him, it seems like he is more committed to me…”

We are all witnesses of how many great young players are achieving great results, big wins and Courier was extremely positive when it comes to young guns as he admitted: “Well they have time on their side too cause keep in mind that the big four are not going to be far the time eventually they will age out of the pros and it will be little clear sailing for everyone…”. He also noted that times are exciting with a lot of good and talented teenagers. It is not the secret that Roger Federer badly wants his 18th Grand Slam and Courier doesn’t thinks the Swiss is done yet as he told: “I don’t think that Federer has put it away yet, I think there actually is a chance he can get there given how well he is playing now”.

2016 Australian Open title was 11th Grand Slam title overall for Novak Djokovic in his career and now the biggest question is can he go on and tie Federer’s record of seventeen Grand Slam’s titles or even pass them. Former number one thinks Novak has to hurry if he wants to achieve that because when you hit thirties it is not an easy task to win Major titles as it is when you are younger. Djokovic is desperate to finally get his hands on Roland Garros trophy and every year it is the same question: will this be the year? Courier thinks that Novak has a real shot this year and since Rafa Nadal is not where he was in the past that makes it even more possible for the Serb to finally complete Golden Slam.